An altar is any structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices are made for religious purposes. Altars are usually found at shrines, and they can be located in temples, churches and other places of worship. Today they are used particularly in Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, Taoism, as well as in Neopaganism and Ceremonial Magic. Judaism did so until the destruction of the Second Temple. Many historical faiths also made use of them, including Greek and Norse religion.
Read more about Altar: In The Hebrew Bible, Christianity, Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism, Shinto, Norse Paganism, Neopaganism, High Places
Famous quotes containing the word altar:
“You need make for me only an altar of earth and sacrifice...”
—Bible: Hebrew, Exodus 20:24.
“The drama’s altar isn’t on the stage: it is candle-sticked and flowered in the box office. There is the gold, though there be no frankincense or myrrh; and the gospel for the day always The Play will Run for a Year. The Dove of Inspiration, of the desire for inspiration, has flown away from it; and on it’s roof, now, the commonplace crow caws candidly.”
—Sean O’Casey (1884–1964)
“Wherever an altar is found, there civilization exists.”
—Joseph De Maistre (1753–1821)